UNIT 1: Pre Colonial Ameirca

Flashcards about Pre-European Americas and European Exploration.

Name three highly advanced civilizations in Pre-European Americas.

Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas

Where did the Mayan civilization primarily exist?

Latin America

Where were the Aztecs located?

Central America

Where were the Incas located?

Peru

What was a key difference between North American and Latin American societies before European contact?

North American societies were generally sparser and less developed due to slow cultivation of corn.

Why were North American societies sparser and less developed?

Due to the slow cultivation of corn

What characterized the diversity of Native American societies?

Huge diversity, especially in language with over 20 language families.

What are some examples of North American settlements?

Honokom, Pueblos, Cahokia, Cherokee, and Lumbee

What were the two key motivators that promoted European exploration?

Technology and Religious conflict

Name three technological advancements that aided European exploration.

Sailing innovations, gunpowder, compass, and the printing press

Name one religious factor that motivated European exploration.

The desire to convert others and the Protestant Reformation.

What drove Europeans to search for faster routes to Asia?

Fierce competition for trade with Asia.

What type of political structures existed in Europe during the Age of Exploration?

Smaller kingdoms, multiethnic empires, and nation-states.

Which two European powers were the first to colonize America?

Spain and Portugal.

What treaty divided the New World between Spain and Portugal?

Treaty of Tordesillas.

What was the primary focus of French colonization efforts?

Fur trade and maintaining good relations with Natives.

What economic systems were prevalent in Europe?

Feudalism and Capitalism

What is the Encomienda System?

A coerced labor system where Natives were given land and protection in exchange for labor and goods.

What was the Asiento system?

A system where colonists paid a tax per imported slave.

Summarize Spanish Policy towards Natives.

Overwhelmingly subjugated Natives.

Who advocated for better Native rights in the Spanish colonies?

Bartolomé de Las Casas

What were the New Laws of 1542?

Laws that ended Native slavery and the encomienda system, though some were later repealed.

What was the Valladolid Debate?

A debate about the humanity of Natives, with Juan Sepúlveda arguing they were less than human.

Summarize English Policy towards Natives.

Expelled Natives over subjugating them for forced labor.

Summarize French Policy towards Natives.

Viewed Natives as trade partners, particularly for the fur trade.

Name two Native Survival Strategies.

Allied with Europeans, or moved west.

What are some cultural contributions of Africans?

Rice, music, and language